State to hold hearing on UPMC projects; 2 in Westmoreland

UMPC is planning to spend some of the $500 million from a bond issue on two Westmoreland County projects — its Urgent Care Center along Route 30 in North Huntingdon and Weatherwood Manor assisted living residences in Hempfield.

The state Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority has scheduled a public hearing Friday in Harrisburg on UPMC’s plans to reallocate part of the money from the 2017 Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority bond issue for projects at numerous locations in Pittsburgh; more than 17 UPMC facilities in other Allegheny County communities; and about 40 sites in other parts of the state, including the two in Westmoreland County.

The initial capital improvement projects identified for the proceeds of the bond issue were a new UPMC Heart and Transplant Hospital at UPMC Presbyterian in Oakland, a new UPMC Hillman Cancer Hospital at the Shadyside Hospital campus, a new UPMC Vision and Rehabilitation Hospital at the UPMC Mercy Hospital and various capital improvement projects for UPMC or its affiliates in Allegheny County. The money also was earmarked for related financing costs.

The bond proceeds for the UPMC Urgent Care Center in North Huntingdon can be used for capital improvements and renovations to the facility. The revenue for the bond issue also is targeted for roof repairs and replacing the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system at Weatherwood Manor, said Michael Gerber, a spokesman for the state Department of Community & Economic Development, which oversees the financing authority.

UPMC spokeswoman Gloria Kreps said she was not aware of the timing for the work, nor the cost of the projects.